LaurilAnne
New Member
Hello from a Red Foot Newbie! And I apologize for the length of this post..lol.
I adopted my new baby from a friend who bought her from the local reptile house as a baby (I think) for his now ex-girlfriend. I was told she is a 3yr old male but from my research, I now believe her to be female. And from what I have been reading etc., she has not been living in her proper environment or getting the variety of foods she requires. I want her to flourish and be a happy lil torti here with me. She is sooo cool to watch!! I've had her in a 55gal tank since I brought her home on August 10th but I am picking up a 75gal this weekend. I set the tank up how I thought would be appropriate. I was on the right track but unfortunately got many things wrong..For starters, I used potting soil because I have live plants in there and I can get it packed good enough for a path and area on top of her den. It has a screen top which I am, of course, having humidity issues. I bought a fogger/humidifier yesterday and the difference in her activity already is crazy! I had no idea how important it could be. I've been covering the top as much as I can with towels to keep the humidity in. I've also made mistakes with heat and basking bulbs. They are gone and I now have a 150w CHE and the Zoo Med heat mat (not much help) stuck to the side (for now). Both on a dual stage InkBird digital thermostat set for 85 degrees from 7a - 11p then 80 degrees from 11p - 7a. I still cant get the temp above 82. I think I need another CHE? Especially for the 75gal?
I have the uvb tube light 10.0..I read that I need the 5.0?
I do soak her in the tub at least once a week for about 30 mins..
**I would greatly appreciate some help with a few things.. What is the best substrate for her and my live plants? She came with a bag of reptisoil which I do not care for at all but the potting soil can get pretty wet so I put some reptisoil on top. Its dusty, she tries to eat parts of it and she bulldozes it around. I tried forest moss but she bulldozes it, gets it in her mouth and it sticks to her feet/nails. I tried cypress mulch and she instantly started trying to eat it so I took it out. I have some spaghum(sp?) moss but am afraid shes gonna try to eat it as well. I looked at orchid bark, it has big pieces, and orchid soil, it has perlite like the potting soil..I don't know what to do but I only have until Saturday to figure it out. Thats when I pick up the 75gal.
Also, If ventilation is needed for the torti, how does enclosing the tank for humidity affect her?
What all veggies can she eat? snap peas? Brussel sprouts? Carrots? Tomatoes? Sweet peppers? Potatoes? Asparagus? Broccoli? Cauliflower? Green beans? All raw? What about mealworms and the proteins? Should I just be asking what foods to avoid? I know there are certain things that will hurt and kill my parrot.. I don't wanna make her sick or worse..
I appreciate all advice. I need it. I want her to thrive.. I've had many animals through life but never a tortoise or turtle. I've had my African Grey Parrot for about 19yrs. I also have 2 dogs; a boxer and a Bluetick Coon Hound. I use to have many fishtanks. Always been an animal lover and savior
Thank you!
I adopted my new baby from a friend who bought her from the local reptile house as a baby (I think) for his now ex-girlfriend. I was told she is a 3yr old male but from my research, I now believe her to be female. And from what I have been reading etc., she has not been living in her proper environment or getting the variety of foods she requires. I want her to flourish and be a happy lil torti here with me. She is sooo cool to watch!! I've had her in a 55gal tank since I brought her home on August 10th but I am picking up a 75gal this weekend. I set the tank up how I thought would be appropriate. I was on the right track but unfortunately got many things wrong..For starters, I used potting soil because I have live plants in there and I can get it packed good enough for a path and area on top of her den. It has a screen top which I am, of course, having humidity issues. I bought a fogger/humidifier yesterday and the difference in her activity already is crazy! I had no idea how important it could be. I've been covering the top as much as I can with towels to keep the humidity in. I've also made mistakes with heat and basking bulbs. They are gone and I now have a 150w CHE and the Zoo Med heat mat (not much help) stuck to the side (for now). Both on a dual stage InkBird digital thermostat set for 85 degrees from 7a - 11p then 80 degrees from 11p - 7a. I still cant get the temp above 82. I think I need another CHE? Especially for the 75gal?
I have the uvb tube light 10.0..I read that I need the 5.0?
I do soak her in the tub at least once a week for about 30 mins..
**I would greatly appreciate some help with a few things.. What is the best substrate for her and my live plants? She came with a bag of reptisoil which I do not care for at all but the potting soil can get pretty wet so I put some reptisoil on top. Its dusty, she tries to eat parts of it and she bulldozes it around. I tried forest moss but she bulldozes it, gets it in her mouth and it sticks to her feet/nails. I tried cypress mulch and she instantly started trying to eat it so I took it out. I have some spaghum(sp?) moss but am afraid shes gonna try to eat it as well. I looked at orchid bark, it has big pieces, and orchid soil, it has perlite like the potting soil..I don't know what to do but I only have until Saturday to figure it out. Thats when I pick up the 75gal.
Also, If ventilation is needed for the torti, how does enclosing the tank for humidity affect her?
What all veggies can she eat? snap peas? Brussel sprouts? Carrots? Tomatoes? Sweet peppers? Potatoes? Asparagus? Broccoli? Cauliflower? Green beans? All raw? What about mealworms and the proteins? Should I just be asking what foods to avoid? I know there are certain things that will hurt and kill my parrot.. I don't wanna make her sick or worse..
I appreciate all advice. I need it. I want her to thrive.. I've had many animals through life but never a tortoise or turtle. I've had my African Grey Parrot for about 19yrs. I also have 2 dogs; a boxer and a Bluetick Coon Hound. I use to have many fishtanks. Always been an animal lover and savior
Thank you!